The International Day for Biological Diversity 22 May 2011

Designation of IDB 2011 on the theme of forests provides Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and everyone interested in forests, the opportunity to raise awareness of the issue and increase practical action.

Video Message from the United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for biodiversity - Edward NortonWatch on Youtube

The United Nations Forum on Forests has, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the CBD and other UN Agencies, Member States and mayor groups, started the Forest Heroes Award and Programme to identify and honour individuals dedicated to promote sustainable forest management.

TEMATEA tool on international commitments related to forest biodiversity Following the request of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, the Secretariat of the CDB is developing a new forest module on international commitments related to forest biodiversity. The module will support a better and more coherent national implementation of forest-related international instruments. It will be officially launched on the International Day for Biological Diversity, 22 May 2011.

International Economic Forum of the Americas, Conference of Montreal, 6-9 June 2011 The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, in cooperation with the International Economic Forum of the Americas will hold a 2-day expert workshop on investments into forest ecosystem services, including the role of biodiversity for mitigating investment risks. The workshop will be organized in the context of the International Year of Forests 2011, and follow-up to the “International Day for Biological Diversity” (IDB) on May 22, which focuses on forest biodiversity. In the same context there will also be a Panel Discussion at the 17th International Economic Forum of the Americas, Conference of Montreal, on the topic “Biodiversity, Carbon, Water, and More: Investing in Forest Ecosystem Services”.

This short animated film highlights the role forests can play in national development, a green economy and climate change. The film also reviews the impact of forests on business as usual and on transformative solutions. Watch on Youtube